Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026: PM Modi stresses stress-free learning, life skills over marks

Pariksha Pe Charcha returned for its ninth edition on Feb 6, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacting live with students across India, offering guidance on exams, life skills, and stress management ahead of the board examination season.

Addressing students, Modi emphasized that education should be holistic and not limited to marks.

Drawing an analogy from sports, he said success requires all-round preparation, just as a bowler must work on multiple aspects to perform well. He urged students to see exams as festivals rather than sources of fear.

“Education should not feel like a burden; focus not only on marks but also on improving life,” Modi said, encouraging students to stay confident in their own learning patterns while remaining open to advice. “Listen to everyone’s advice but change your lifestyle pattern only when you want to.”

“Education should not feel like a burden. It needs our total involvement. Education in bits and pieces does not ensure success. Instead of focusing on marks, everyone should focus on where they have made it in life,” the PM said.

He added that students should trust their own methods while thoughtfully considering guidance from parents and teachers.

On managing academic priorities, Modi advised students to give importance to Class 12 board exams, noting that entrance tests become manageable if the syllabus is well prepared.

He also linked students’ efforts to the national vision of development, saying consistent work by young people can help build a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

He asked students to reflect on their daily use of imported goods and encouraged them to support local products.

The Prime Minister highlighted civic responsibility, urging students to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in public and private spaces.

He said taking responsibility as citizens is essential, as the goals set for 2047 are ultimately meant for the younger generation’s own future.

Speaking on technology, Modi described artificial intelligence as a useful aid when used wisely.

“Students can ask AI for recommendations on biographies to read. Then, they can go to the market and buy one of those books. This way, you are using AI for your benefit, not becoming dependent on it,” he said.

During the session, Modi responded to a wide range of student questions. On differing advice from parents and teachers, he said such differences persist throughout life and emphasized the importance of understanding one’s own learning rhythm.

On teaching methods, he said, “Teachers should ensure that their pace is only one step ahead of the students’, so that learning remains easy and accessible for them.”

Addressing a question on whether skills or marks matter more, Modi said balance is key, adding that academics, skills, and hobbies should grow together.

He also spoke about life and professional skills, noting that life skills develop through discipline, health, and communication, while professional skills build on observation and knowledge.

Sharing his personal mantra, the PM advised students to strengthen their foundation in school, saying success in competitive exams would follow naturally.

To parents concerned about early completion of courses or exams, he suggested allowing children to grow according to their individual strengths.

On balancing studies with hobbies such as gaming, Modi encouraged creativity and shared work openly to receive feedback, which he said helps ideas evolve into success.

He also reminded students that results should not be the ultimate goal and advised them to focus on building strong fundamentals.

The PM responded humorously to a query about dealing with guests during exams, suggesting students turn the conversation around by asking visitors about their own school experiences.

On gaming, he said interest in the field is positive, but students should explore it constructively, not just for entertainment.

Highlighting the role of skills in life, he said, “Education and skills are both important; however, skills are crucial in life.”

On technology, he added, “Technology is a boon, and we need to embrace it. Use AI wisely to boost your wisdom and personality.”

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 recorded unprecedented participation, surpassing last year’s Guinness World Record. More than 4.5 crore students registered for this edition, along with over 28 lakh teachers and 615,064 parents.

The initiative is part of the government’s Exam Warriors program, aimed at reducing exam anxiety and equipping students with coping strategies. Participants receive acknowledgments, and selected winners are invited to future programs.

The event, held annually since 2018, coincides with the start of the exam season. Board examinations conducted by bodies such as the CBSE begin in mid-February, while major engineering entrance exams, including JEE Main, are scheduled for April.

The 2026 edition focused on themes such as making exams a celebration, contributions of freedom fighters, environmental conservation, and Clean India.

The program concluded with students playing the flute and presenting gifts from their hometowns, as the PM thanked participants for their engagement.

This year’s Pariksha Pe Charcha featured interactions with students from multiple locations, including Devmogra, Coimbatore, Raipur, Guwahati, and the Prime Minister’s residence.

This marked a continuation of the revised format introduced last year, moving away from the earlier single-venue event at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi. The next episode of the program will be telecast on Feb 9 at 10 am.